If you like the music of Cowell and Varese, then this is a must.

The works recorded on this compact disc represent some of the finest contemporary American works for percussion ensemble. All of the works utilize a large array of instruments and are scored for between eight and twelve players. All the works were commissioned and premiered by the University of Oklahoma Percussion Ensemble; thus we have David Maslanka's Crown of Thorns in a performance by the group that first commissioned it. Blake Wilkins' Twilight Offering Music is one of the most distinctive pieces in the ever-growing body of American works for large percussion ensemble. With a duration of 27 minutes it is by far one of the longest and most expansive compositions for the medium and this alone secures its singularity. Compendium in a way is the opposite of Twilight Offering Music in that it lasts only 11 minutes and as the name implies distills into a brief period of time many of Wilkins' ideas about coherent Organic structures, disparate closed-ended processes, virtuosic playing and new worlds of sound. Michael Hennagin was a professor at the University of Oklahoma from 1972 until he retired in 1992 to devote himself full time to composition. He has composed in all mediums including film, television and stage. Dan Welcher was born in Rochester, New York. He is one of the most popular composers of his generation. Currently he has composed over 60 compositions.

Review:

"A different work may give this album its title, but pride of place in this stimulating and rewarding program of compositions for large percussion ensemble must go to Dan Welcher's fascinating and entrancing Chameleon Music." (Fanfare)